Nightwatch: Uncovering Nightjar Nesting Behaviors with IR Cameras

AOS Student Research Grant Seminar

Presenter: Asch Nighthawk, MSc. graduate, SUNY Brockport; 2024 Alexander Wetmore Memorial Research Grant

As cryptic, nocturnal birds, nightjars are notoriously difficult to study. Using custom Raspberry Pi™ IR camera systems, this project documented nesting behavior at 13 Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) nests in northern New York. The footage captured examples of how Whip-poor-will chicks survive (or fail to survive) predator encounters, the first confirmed case of social polygyny in the species, and more, showing the power of modern camera systems to advance nocturnal bird research.

More about the Student Research Grant Seminar Series